Last week, Renew Europe led the development of a new European Parliament proposal on the EU's diplomatic strategy and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic. It was represented by the Rapporteur Urmas Paet MEP (Eesti Reformierakond, EE).
Renew Europe calls on the European Commission to urgently update its Arctic strategy based on the proposals developed by the European Parliament in consultation with Arctic regional partners. This comes as Russia’s militarisation and China’s Polar Silk Road is transforming the region into a key geopolitical flashpoint.
Commenting on the situation, Paet stated:
"In recent years, we have experienced significant turbulence in world politics. This is having a clear effect on the Arctic region. The EU needs a smart strategy to face the Arctic's growing geopolitical importance and, among other efforts, I hope to see Iceland, Norway and Greenland joining the EU in the near future."
The Arctic is a key piece of the puzzle for European prosperity and security. Renew Europe calls for deeper, more structured EU-NATO cooperation in the region, reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Renew Europe firmly supports potential EU membership for willing Arctic nations. The report prioritises Indigenous peoples' rights, sustainable resource management and upholding international law in the High North.
Key demands in the Renew Europe-led report include:
- Full observer status for the EU in the Arctic Council.
- Work with our partners in Greenland on critical raw materials and energy to ensure Europe has the resources it needs.
- Secure Arctic satellite connectivity with European technology Iris2 and Galileo.
- Ensure next Multiannual Financial Framework funds Arctic shipping, icebreakers and infrastructure investments.